In My Craft Or Sullen Art Poem
Introduction
"In My Craft Or Sullen Art" is a poem written by Dylan Thomas, a Welsh poet, in 1946. The poem is an expression of the poet's love for his craft, and a reflection on the struggles that come with it. The poem is known for its use of vivid imagery, and its ability to capture the essence of the creative process. In this article, we will analyze the poem in detail, exploring the themes, imagery, and language used by the poet.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is the creative process and the struggles that come with it. The poem explores the idea that the artist's craft is not an easy one, and that it requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. The poem also touches on the idea that the artist's craft is a lonely one, and that it requires the artist to be isolated from the world in order to create. Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea that the artist's craft is a form of escape from the harsh realities of the world.
Imagery
The poem is known for its use of vivid imagery, which helps to bring the ideas and themes to life. One of the most striking examples of imagery in the poem is the comparison between the artist's craft and the sea. The poet uses this metaphor to suggest that the creative process is like the ebb and flow of the tide, with its highs and lows. Another example of imagery in the poem is the comparison between the artist's craft and a bird, which suggests that the artist's work is a form of flight and freedom.
Language
The language used in the poem is rich and evocative, and helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The poem is written in a formal style, and makes use of complex sentence structures and a range of literary devices. One of the most striking features of the language used in the poem is its use of alliteration, which helps to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, which helps to reinforce the central themes and ideas.
Analysis
The poem is structured as a series of stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the artist's craft. The poem begins with the lines "In my craft or sullen art / Exercised in the still night / When only the moon rages / And the lovers lie abed". These lines set the tone for the poem, and establish the idea that the artist's craft is a solitary one. The next few stanzas explore the idea that the artist's craft is a form of escape from the harsh realities of the world.
The middle section of the poem is perhaps the most striking, as it makes use of vivid imagery to explore the creative process. The lines "I make the netted sun / Shine on the sea" and "I make the green maned / Vxoriousness of the waves" are particularly powerful, as they suggest that the artist's craft has the power to transform the world around them.
The final section of the poem explores the idea that the artist's craft is a form of self-expression, and that it allows the artist to communicate their innermost thoughts and feelings. The lines "And to my art, thee only one / Thine eyes alone, look down the hidden years / And see the streets of cities yet to be" are particularly poignant, as they suggest that the artist's work has the power to transcend time and space.
Conclusion
"In My Craft Or Sullen Art" is a powerful poem that explores the creative process and the struggles that come with it. The poem is known for its use of vivid imagery, and its ability to capture the essence of the artist's craft. Through its exploration of themes such as isolation, escape, and self-expression, the poem offers a powerful insight into the mind of the artist. Overall, "In My Craft Or Sullen Art" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to the power of the creative process.